BOX ELDER – The Douglas School District is moving forward with plans to address significant enrollment growth by constructing a new elementary school. The project is fueled by $42 million in federal funding recently approved through the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill.

District officials expressed gratitude toward federal and local partners for their role in securing the funds. Supporters named include Senator John Thune and his legislative director Adam Wek, Senator Mike Rounds, Representative Dusty Johnson, and staff members in Rapid City who worked over several years to advocate for the project, known as Elementary School #1.

The expansion comes as the region prepares for the B-21 Raider bomber program at nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base. The influx of military personnel and their families is expected to bring a steady increase in student enrollment. District leaders have spent seven years planning for this growth to ensure the school system is equipped to serve both current residents and new families moving to the Rapid City area.

In addition to the new elementary building, the project includes an addition to Douglas Middle School, a new bus loop, and an auxiliary parking lot.

Construction planning is currently underway. While the specific timeline for the doors to open depends on the release of the federal funds, officials expect the building process to take approximately two years once construction begins.

The Douglas School District serves a high percentage of military-connected students and has cited the lack of a traditional property tax base as a primary reason for seeking federal support for capital projects. District leadership stated they will provide further updates as the project progresses.